Even though he’s just a sophomore, Westover defensive tackle Trenton Thompson, left, earned an invite to Georgia’s Junior Day on Saturday in Athens, where he was offered a scholarship by UGA head coach Mark Richt. (Photo courtesy of Trenton Thompson/Special to The Herald)

ALBANY — By the time it’s over, Westover defensive tackle Trenton Thompson will no doubt be courted by a long list of Division I powers, but the University of Georgia Bulldogs want to make sure they land Thompson.

And that’s why they offered the sophomore a scholarship Saturday.

“It’s extremely rare to get an offer as a sophomore,’’ Westover head football coach Octavia Jones said. “But people are starting to take notice of him already.’’

Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound tackle, was invited to Athens this weekend to join other potential recruits as a part of Junior Day.

“When he showed me the letter he got from Georgia inviting him to Junior Day, I called (Georgia offensive coordinator) Mike Bobo,’’ Jones said. “I asked him if they were sure they wanted Trenton to come up there because he’s a sophomore, and Bobo told me, ‘We’ve got to have him here.’ And then (on Saturday) Bobo sent me a text telling me that coach Mark Richt had just offered Trenton a scholarship.’’

Thompson dominated on the line of scrimmage this past season and was an easy choice to make The Herald’s All-Metro team as just a sophomore. He made 65 tackles, including 12 for losses and had five sacks.

“It is extremely rare for a sophomore to get offered (this early), but the kind of year he had, he put himself on the road in that direction,’’ Jones said. “He turned some heads. He was so excited to have the opportunity to go up (to Georgia).’’